undergraduate
Public administration
Best schools with public administration
What is a public administration major?
Public administration programs prepare individuals to serve as managers in the executive arm of local, state, and federal government. This major focuses on the systematic study of executive organization and management. Courses in this major may include instruction in the roles, development, and principles of public administration; the management of public policy; executive-legislative relations; public budgetary processes and financial management; administrative law; public personnel management; professional ethics; and research methods.
of students said a highlight of this major was the exposure to diverse perspectives.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because of a desire to make a difference.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
How much do public administration majors make?
median average salary
$76,000/yr
The national average salary for public administration graduates in the United States is $76,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $181,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $30,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, public administration graduates typically make between $50,000 and $118,000 per year.
How popular is public administration as a major?
Each year, around 3,530 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 220 students obtain an associate degree in public administration. In 2021, 3,233 students received a bachelor's degree and 191 students received an associate degree. This is 6% fewer public administration majors than there were in 2020. Public administration is one of the most popular majors within public policy and social services.
Advice from public administration majors
Share your experiencePursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) can be a rewarding path that opens many doors in public service, government, non-profits, and even the private sector. Here’s some advice based on my experience and insights: Focus on Core Competencies: I make sure to have a strong understanding of key subjects like public policy, economics, management, finance, and data analysis. Prepare for Interviews:Practicing common interview questions and being ready to discuss my experiences, and skills, and how they align with the job requirements is key. The field of public administration is broad and offers numerous paths. I stay open to opportunities and proactive in seeking out experiences that align with my career goals. Good Luck future MPA's!
Understand the ROI for the degree to ensure your passion in the field is worth the cost of admission to the university of your choosing.
Explore ways in which you can change the way that government functions - always be on the lookout for a new understanding or perspective that you can bring to break the chain of, "well, that's the way we've always done it..." that pervades the philosophies behind processes and procedures.
Strive to make the classes and topics spoken about interesting to yourself to be able to grasp the meaning and not sleep in class.
